Scientists one step closer to understanding Alzheimer’s

Staff in Copenhagen have made some interesting findings.

A new discovery could help scientists to unlock the complexities of Alzheimer’s disease.

Researchers at the University of Copehagen found that a brain mechanism called the blood-brain barrier is important in maintaining levels of glutamate, which aids brain signals. Too much glutamate can create a lot of ‘noise’ in the brain – this discovery could play a part in understanding Alzheimer’s and finding a cure.

Associate professor Birger Brodin said: “We now know that the blood-brain barrier also plays a vital role in the process by ‘vacuuming’ – so to speak – the brain fluid for extraneous glutamate, which is then pumped into the blood where it does not have a damaging effect.”